wellhealthorganic.com:health-benefits-and-side-effects-of-oil-of-oregano: Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in typical dietary amounts but has little evidence of health benefits.
Oregano has olive green leaves and purple flowers. It is closely related to mint, thyme, marjoram, and basil. Oregano contains chemicals that can help reduce coughing. Oregano can also aid digestion and fight certain bacteria and viruses.
People use oregano to heal wounds, parasitic infections, and many other ailments, but no solid scientific evidence supports these uses.
Table of Contents
What is Oregano?
Oregano is an herb with olive green leaves and purple flowers. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and is closely related to mint, thyme, marjoram, basil, sage, and lavender.
Oregano is native to warm western and southwestern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Türkiye is one of the largest exporters of oregano. However, it now grows on most continents and in various conditions. Countries known for producing high-quality oregano essential oils include Greece, Israel, and Turkey.
Oregano is taken orally for respiratory disorders such as coughs, asthma, allergies, croup, and bronchitis. It is also oral for stomach disorders such as heartburn, bloating, and static. Oregano is also taken by mouth for painful menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract disorders, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), headaches, diabetes, bleeding after the removal of a tooth, heart problems, and high cholesterol.
Oregano oil is applied to the skin for skin conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, thrush, warts, sores, ringworm, rosacea, and psoriasis. as well as for insect and spider bites, gum disease, toothache, muscle and joint pain, and varicose veins. Oregano oil is also applied to the skin as an insect repellent.
Oregano is used as a culinary spice and food preservative in foods and beverages.
How does it work?
Oregano contains chemicals that can help reduce coughing and spasms. Oregano may also aid digestion by increasing bile flow and fighting certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, intestinal worms, and other parasites.
Forms of Oregano
The oregano oil extract is an herbal supplement. It is available in supplement, pill, and soft gel form. These often contain other ingredients to dilute the oil of oregano, which is very potent. If not concentrated, the capsules can be taken orally or cut up and applied to the skin.
Oregano oil is also available as a highly concentrated essential oil in liquid form. The oil can be pre-mixed with a carrier oil or purchased undiluted. If it’s not pre-mixed, you must thin it by combining it with carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. The usual recipe is 5 to 6 drops per ounce of base oil.
The essential oil can be used topically after being diluted. Do not take any essential oil by mouth without consulting a certified aromatherapist. Some essential oils are toxic, and their qualities vary.
Oregano essential oil can also be used steamed as an inhaling vapor. It is done by putting a drop or two in a spray bottle or a pan of boiling water.
Uses And Efficiency
Oregano essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. It blends well with other essential oils like chamomile, cypress, lavender, rosemary, bergamot, cedarwood, tea tree, and even eucalyptus oils. You can use oregano black seed oil in cooking. It can even be used in non-diet drinks, so eat small amounts. Oregano essential oil is also used in insect repellents and organic and herbal sprays.
Parasites in the intestines. Some early research shows that taking 200 mg of a specific oregano leaf oil product (ADP, Biotics Research Corp.
Wound healing. Early research suggests that applying an oregano extract to the skin twice a day for up to 14 days after minor skin surgery may reduce the risk of infection and improve healing.
Acne.
Arthritis.
Asthma.
Athlete’s foot.
Bleeding disorders.
Bronchitis.
Dandruff.
Flu.
Headache.
heart disease
High cholesterol level.
Indigestion and bloating.
Muscle and joint pain.
Painful menstruation.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Varicose veins.
warts
Other terms.
Advantages of Oregano
People in the Mediterranean region have used oregano for centuries in herbal medicine to treat many ailments, including:
- skin sores
- sore muscles
- asthma
- electric shock
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- colds
- to improve the overall health
Scientists need more research to confirm the benefits of using oregano, but there is some evidence that it may help:
- fight bacteria
- relieve inflammation
- regulate blood sugar and lipids
- fight against cancer
Oregano and other herbs provide antioxidants. Dietary antioxidants help the body eliminate free radicals, toxic substances resulting from natural processes, and environmental stress. A buildup of free radicals can trigger oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage, leading to various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Antibacterial Properties
The main components of oregano essential oil are carvacrol and thymol. These may have antimicrobial properties.
- Protect against cancer
- Some of the ingredients in oregano may have anti-cancer properties.
- Although eating oregano alone is unlikely to prevent cancer, a varied plant-based diet rich in antioxidants may help prevent cellular changes that can lead to cancer.
- Origanum majorana may help slow or stop the progression of metastatic breast cancer.
Diabetes
Oregano compounds may help control type 2 diabetes. Oregano extract may help:
- improve insulin resistance
- regulate the expression of genes that affect the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
- restore damaged liver and kidney tissue
Depression
After 14 days, stress-related behavior improved in the rats that received the oregano treatment. The study authors concluded that oregano may alleviate stress-related behaviors.
Other Possible Health Benefits
According to the National Library of Medicine, people take oregano products by mouth to:
- cough
- asthma
- allergy
- rump
- bronchitis
- painful menstrual cramps
- rheumatoid arthritis
- urinary tract infections and disorders
- headache
- diabetes
- bleeding after tooth extraction
- heart disease
- high cholesterol
Nutrition
Many types of oregano exist, and the antioxidant and nutrient content can vary widely.
Examples of antioxidants in the herb oregano include tryptophan, lysine, valine, arginine, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E (tocopherol).
Cooking Tips
People can use dried or fresh leaves to add a “Mediterranean” flavor to various dishes.
It pairs well with tomatoes and is often found in pizza and pasta sauces.
People also add it to:
Baked goods
vegetable dishes
legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas
chili dishes
Here are some tips for adding it to food:
- While cooking, sprinkle the meat and chicken with oregano for flavor.
- Use it in marinades or fillings.
- Chop and mix with bread or pizza dough for an herbal flavor.
- Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad.
- Sprinkle over mozzarella cheese and tomato slices, and drizzle with olive oil.
People apply oregano oil to the skin to:
- acne
- dandruff
- thrush, toothache, and gum disease
- warts
- injuries
- tub
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- insect bites and as an insect repellent
- muscle and joint pain
- varicose veins
In most cases, there is insufficient evidence to support the medicinal use of oregano as a dietary herb, supplement, or oil.
However, it is unlikely to cause harm to most people as long as they do not consume too much oregano oil and ensure that all topical applications use a diluted form of the oil.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: Oregano is POSSIBLY HARMFUL when taken orally in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It is feared that taking oregano in amounts more significant than the amount of food may cause miscarriage. There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of taking oregano if breastfeeding. Be careful and avoid using it.
Bleeding Disorders: Oregano may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Allergies: Oregano may cause reactions in people with allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family, including basil, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, mint, and sage.
Diabetes: Oregano can lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should use oregano with caution.
Surgery: Oregano may increase the risk of bleeding. People who use oregano should stop 2 weeks before surgery.
Oregano Oil Crop
Oregano, the plant, is native to high altitudes. The word oregano means “mountain delight.” The fact that oregano essential oil can be used to disinfect the body and has strong antibacterial properties was first discovered by people in ancient Greece. They often used this oil on their wounds and skin cuts as it prevented them from getting infected.
Hemp seed oil with oregano is also used to prevent food from infecting. In addition, it protects food from bacteria and random insects that spread disease by sitting on objects. Since then, it has been used for its health benefits worldwide. Since oregano is a prevalent and well-known herb, oregano essential oil can be easily found worldwide.
Side Effects and Risks
Unlike the herb you cook with, commercially prepared oregano oil is highly concentrated. It’s easy to take too much or use it for too long. When used as directed, oregano oil should be safe. However, at too high a dose, it can have harmful effects.
It may be due in part to thymol, one of the phenols it contains. In high doses, thymol is a mild irritant that can affect the skin or internal organs. May cause:
- nausea
- vomiting
- gastric discomfort
- central hyperactivity (inappropriate chatter)
Oregano oil can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Do not use oregano oil if you are allergic to oregano or other herbs in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint, sage, basil, and lavender.
When used topically, diluted oregano essential oil can cause a rash, even in people who aren’t allergic to it. Therefore, it is necessary to consult your doctor before using oregano oil and to follow the package instructions strictly, whether you are using the capsules or the essential oil.
There has been no medical research on the safety of oregano oil for children or pregnant or lactating women. Therefore, these populations should not use oregano oil. In addition, although data is lacking, there is concern that oregano oil may cause uterine contractions or miscarriage.
Appropriate Dosage and Instructions for Use
Medicinal doses of oregano oil for humans have not been thoroughly studied. However, commercial supplements and essential oils have recommended dosages set by their manufacturers. These take into account the amount of thymol and other phenols.
It is essential not to exceed the recommended dosage or take oregano oil in any form, including on the skin, for more than several weeks. When using oregano essential oil, a little goes a long way. A drop or two of diluted oil may not sound like much, but going over that dose can cause side effects.
Conclusion
There are many claims about oregano oil’s ability to relieve symptoms and cure medical conditions. However, there is very little evidence to support these claims.
If you decide to take oregano oil, either in supplement or essential oil form, follow dosage instructions exactly and consult your doctor before use. Remember that essential oils are much stronger than supplements and should always be diluted. Oregano oils should not be used on infants or children, and breastfeeding women
